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Sublimation Printer Comparison - April 2026

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.9Exceptional
2
Best Value
9.8Exceptional
3
9.7Exceptional
4
9.6Exceptional
5
9.5Excellent
6
9.3Excellent
7
9.1Excellent
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Model

Brother Sublimation Printer
Model
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support
Model
Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink, User Guide, & AC Power Cable SCF170 - Compact 8.5" x 11" Format - Original Product with Full Manufacturer Support by ORINOKIA.
Model
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scan and Copy, The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black
Model
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank with Scan and Copy, The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White
Model
Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support
Model
Pinckney Cartridge-Free Super-Tank Printer with Sublimation Ink Bundle for Heat Transfers, Easy Fill, Built-in Scanner & Copier (White)

Brand

Brother
Brand
Johnson Plastics Plus
Brand
The Supplierhub
Brand
Epson
Brand
Epson
Brand
Epson
Brand
Pinckney

Reviews

1,504 reviews
Reviews
812 reviews
Reviews
328 reviews
Reviews
69,912 reviews
Reviews
69,912 reviews
Reviews
69,912 reviews
Reviews
808 reviews

Tech Specs

hardware interface

USB
hardware interface
USB
hardware interface
USB
hardware interface
Ethernet
hardware interface
USB
hardware interface
USB
hardware interface
USB 2.0

sheet size

8.5x11
sheet size
8.5 inches
sheet size
8.5 inches
sheet size
4x6 inches, 5x7 inches
sheet size
4" x 6", 5" x 7", A6, Half Letter, Letter, A4, Executive, Legal, User definable (from 2.2" x 3.4" to 8.5" x 47.2")
sheet size
4" x 6", 5" x 7", A6, Half Letter, Letter, A4, Executive, Legal, User definable (from 2.2" x 3.4" to 8.5" x 47.2")
sheet size
8.5 x 11,

duplex

Simplex
duplex
Simplex
duplex
Simplex
duplex
Simplex
duplex
Manual
duplex
Simplex
duplex
Simplex

dual sided printing

No
dual sided printing
No
dual sided printing
No
dual sided printing
No
dual sided printing
No
dual sided printing
No
dual sided printing
No

model series

SP
model series
F170
model series
F170
model series
EcoTank
model series
EcoTank ET-2800
model series
ET
model series
ET

max input sheet capacity

100
max input sheet capacity
150
max input sheet capacity
150
max input sheet capacity
100
max input sheet capacity
100
max input sheet capacity
100
max input sheet capacity
100

product dimensions

10.8"D x 20.1"W x 19.1"H
product dimensions
13.7"D x 14.8"W x 7.4"H
product dimensions
13.7"D x 14.8"W x 7.4"H
product dimensions
14.8"D x 22.8"W x 10"H
product dimensions
14.8"D x 22.8"W x 10"H
product dimensions
22.8"D x 14.8"W x 10"H
product dimensions
22.8"D x 14.8"W x 10"H

printer ink type

CMYK
printer ink type
Dye-sublimation ink
printer ink type
Dye-sublimation ink
printer ink type
Pigment-based inks
printer ink type
Dye-Based Ink, Pigment-Based Ink
printer ink type
Refillable Ink Bottles
printer ink type
Sublimation Ink

ink color

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
ink color
White
ink color
White
ink color
Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
ink color
Black
ink color
Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
ink color
Color

item weight

17.38 pounds
item weight
16 pounds
item weight
15.78 pounds
item weight
11.4 pounds
item weight
11.56 pounds
item weight
8.8 pounds
item weight
15.3 pounds

max copy resolution black white

300 x 300 dpi
max copy resolution black white
5760 dpi
max copy resolution black white
5760 dpi
max copy resolution black white
300 x 600 dpi
max copy resolution black white
720 x 720 dpi
max copy resolution black white
600 dpi
max copy resolution black white
5760 x 1440 dpi

additional printer functions

Scan
additional printer functions
Print Only
additional printer functions
Print Only
additional printer functions
Copy, Scan
additional printer functions
Copy, Scan
additional printer functions
Copy, Scan
additional printer functions
All In One

control method

Touch
control method
Remote
control method
Remote
control method
App
control method
App
control method
App
control method
App

maximum media size

8.5x11
maximum media size
8.5" Width
maximum media size
8.5" Width
maximum media size
8.5 x 14 inch
maximum media size
8.5 x 14 inch
maximum media size
8.5 x 14 inch
maximum media size
8.5 x 11 inch

max copy resolution color

1440 x 1440 dpi
max copy resolution color
5760 x 1440 dpi
max copy resolution color
5760 x 1440 dpi
max copy resolution color
720 x 720 dpi
max copy resolution color
1200 dpi
max copy resolution color
600 x 1200 dpi
max copy resolution color
5760 x 1440 dpi

maximum black and white print resolution

300 x 300
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 dpi
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 dpi
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 dpi
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 x 1440 Dots Per Inch
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 x 1440 Dots Per Inch
maximum black and white print resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi

maximum color print resolution

1440 x 1440 dpi
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 Optimized DPI
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 Optimized DPI
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 Dots Per Inch
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 Dots Per Inch
maximum color print resolution
5760 x 1440 dpi

included components

comes with one each, Brother Genuine Ink-Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow along with sublimation paper starter pack
included components
-
included components
Full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and AC power cable
included components
EcoTank ET 2800 all in one, Manual, CD ROM for product setup, Power cord, Bottle 522 Black, Bottle each 522 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
included components
EcoTank ET-2800 all-in-one, manual, CD-ROM for product setup, power cord, 1x bottle 522 Black (65 mL) and 1x bottle each 522 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (65 mL) (2)
included components
EcoTank ET-2803 all-in-one, manual, CD-ROM for product setup, power cord, 1x bottle 522 Black (65 mL) and 1x bottle each 522 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (65 mL)
included components
EcoTank ET-2800 or ET2803 all-in-one White, Manual, CD-ROM for product setup, Pinckney Sublimation Ink (one bottle each): Black 127mL; Magenta 85mL; Cyan 85mL; Yellow 85mL, Power cord

max copy speed black white

1 ppm
max copy speed black white
1 ppm
max copy speed black white
1 ppm
max copy speed black white
1E+1 ppm
max copy speed black white
10 ppm
max copy speed black white
10 ppm
max copy speed black white
-

total usb ports

1
total usb ports
1
total usb ports
1
total usb ports
1
total usb ports
1
total usb ports
1
total usb ports
-

print media

Fabric, Glossy photo paper
print media
-
print media
-
print media
Envelopes, Glossy photo paper, Paper (plain)
print media
Envelopes, Glossy photo paper, Paper (plain)
print media
Paper (plain)
print media
Paper (plain)

controller type

iOS
controller type
-
controller type
-
controller type
Android
controller type
Push Button
controller type
Android
controller type
Push Button

supported media sizes

Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
supported media sizes
-
supported media sizes
-
supported media sizes
4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches
supported media sizes
4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, A4, A6, Half Letter (5.5 x 8.5 inches), Legal (8.5 x 14 inches), Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
supported media sizes
4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, A4, A6
supported media sizes
4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, A4, Half Letter (5.5 x 8.5 inches), Legal (8.5 x 14 inches), Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)

series number

1
series number
170
series number
170
series number
2800
series number
2800
series number
-
series number
-

processor count

1
processor count
1
processor count
1
processor count
-
processor count
1
processor count
1
processor count
-

output sheet capacity

100
output sheet capacity
-
output sheet capacity
150
output sheet capacity
-
output sheet capacity
30
output sheet capacity
100
output sheet capacity
-

memory storage capacity

64 MB
memory storage capacity
-
memory storage capacity
-
memory storage capacity
64 MB
memory storage capacity
64 MB
memory storage capacity
64 MB
memory storage capacity
-

number of trays

-
number of trays
1
number of trays
1
number of trays
-
number of trays
-
number of trays
1
number of trays
1

scanner type

-
scanner type
-
scanner type
-
scanner type
Flatbed
scanner type
Flatbed
scanner type
Flatbed
scanner type
Image Scanner

number of usb 2 ports

1
number of usb 2 ports
1
number of usb 2 ports
1
number of usb 2 ports
-
number of usb 2 ports
-
number of usb 2 ports
-
number of usb 2 ports
-

specific uses for product

-
specific uses for product
-
specific uses for product
customization businesses, promotional product creation, personalized gifts
specific uses for product
Home
specific uses for product
Home, Office
specific uses for product
-
specific uses for product
-

Review

-
Review
-
Review
-
Review Review Review
-
Review
-

Available On

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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.9
    1
    Brother

    Brother Sublimation Printer

    Why we love it

    User-friendly with Artspira app.
    Produces vibrant, high-quality prints.
    Self-cleaning prevents nozzle clogs.
    Main highlights
    • This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale may void the warranty.
    • Press Once, Wash Often! : The Brother SP1 is designed to create projects with longevity. Unlike traditional iron on or iron pressed vinyl transfers, sublimation used the heat and pressure of a heat press that melts the ink into polyester coated items (mugs, shirts, bags, hats and more!) and stays vibrant throughout multiple wash and wear cycles.
    • Make readymade clothes all yours: Use the Brother Sublimation Printer for your next DIY Project. It's as easy as creating your design on Artspira, transferring it, printing, heat pressing, and finishing. Heat press required-additional purchase necessary
    • Fast printing speeds: With fast printing speeds, you can quickly show off your custom project in vibrant color
    • Create in Artspira: To start using the Brother Sublimation Printer, you must first download the Artspira app. Once in Artspira, you can access over 100 sublimation designs, stylistic photo authentic images, and more.
    • Compatible with Artspira: Import and save up to 20 printing images easily with the Artspira app. With access to printing patterns and designs, plus the ability to convert images into poster-style drawings, Artspira will have you creating on the go
    • Brother Reliability: Brother’s reputation for creating first-rate, high-quality products continues with the Brother Sublimation Printer
    • Brother Genuine Sublimation Ink: Crafted for vibrant, long lasting results, Brother Sublimation Ink prints in muted tones on paper and is activated by heat to transfer into bright, rich colors on your project.
  • 9.8
    2
    Johnson Plastics Plus
    18% Off

    Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer – Compact 8.5" x 11" Format – Includes Genuine Epson Ink, User Guide & Power Cable – Original OEM Product with Full Manufacturer Support

    Why we love it

    Exceptional image clarity and color saturation.
    Efficient, mess-free ink refilling.
    Ideal for professional sublimation transfers.
    Main highlights
    • Versatile Media Support - Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
    • Genuine Epson Ink Included - Comes with a full set of OEM Epson sublimation inks, certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for safe use on textiles, apparel, mugs, mousepads, and more.
    • Confidence - Epson authorized partner. Original Epson Manufactured product delivered in Epson’s factory-sealed packaging with Epson documentation and Epson’s full manufacturer warranty.
    • Compact Reliable Solution - Space-saving design with user-friendly setup for Mac & Windows. Includes ink bottles with auto-stop technology for clean, mess-free refills. Perfect for hobbyists, crafters, and small business owners.
    • Astounding Print Quality - Epson's Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, AC power cable, Hotronic 9" x 12" press, thermal tape, 8.5" x 11" & 8.5" x 14" paper.
  • 9.7
    3
    The Supplierhub

    Epson SureColor F170 Dye-Sublimation Printer. Includes Full Set of Ink, User Guide, & AC Power Cable SCF170 - Compact 8.5" x 11" Format - Original Product with Full Manufacturer Support by ORINOKIA.

    Why we love it

    Outstanding image clarity with PrecisionCore technology.
    Efficient 150-sheet auto-feed tray.
    Mess-free ink refills save money.
    Main highlights
    • 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Includes a 150-sheet auto-feed tray for added efficiency. Epson SureColor sublimation printers house the paper in a dust resistant closed tray for the cleanest possible prints with less paper prep for professional sublimation transfers.
    • 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻: Our high-capacity sublimation ink bottles with auto-stop for easy, mess-free filling provide an economic solution to costly sublimation consumables. Be sure to get every drop of your sublimation ink which saves you money and gives you an edge in your sublimation business
    • 𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡.
    • 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘆𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Epson ink is well-known for its consistent delivery of extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast.
    • 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Epson's Surecolor F170 Sublimation printer boasts the PrecisionCore printhead which offers Precision Droplet Control for the most outstanding image clarity on the market. Included in the printer bundle: full set of Epson sublimation ink, user guide, and AC power cable.
    • Versatile Wi-Fi and USB Connectivity: Easily print from Windows or macOS computers using Epson Print Layout or Epson Edge Print software. Compatible with the Epson iPrint app for sending designs directly from Android or iOS devices. Not compatible with direct email printing or camera connections

Sublimation Printer Buyer's Guide

Written by Mike Clarke

Introduction

Sublimation printers are a great way to quickly and easily reproduce images, logos, artwork, and text onto a variety of materials. These printers use special inks that turn into gas when heated, allowing them to transfer the image or text onto items such as t-shirts, mugs, hats, and other fabric items. When shopping for a sublimation printer, there are several factors to consider. These include the type of printer, the resolution, the speed, the ink type, and the size.

Types of Printer

Sublimation printers come in a variety of types. There are desktop models that are perfect for small projects, as well as larger models that are suitable for commercial applications. There are also all-in-one printers that can scan, copy, and print. Additionally, there are mobile printers that can be used on-the-go.

Resolution

The resolution of a sublimation printer is measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI will result in a better quality image. Generally, a resolution of at least 720 DPI is recommended for good quality images. If a higher resolution is needed, look for a printer with a resolution of 1440 DPI or higher.

Speed

The speed of a sublimation printer is measured in pages per minute (PPM). The higher the PPM, the faster the printer will be able to produce prints. If you are printing a large number of items, look for a printer with a high PPM rating.

Ink Type

Sublimation printers use special inks that turn into gas when heated. These inks are available in a variety of colors, including CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Look for a printer that uses high-quality inks for the best results.

Size

Sublimation printers come in a variety of sizes. Desktop models are ideal for small projects, while larger models are better suited for commercial applications. Additionally, mobile printers are available for those who need to print on-the-go.

Our ranking system

At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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